FRONTIERS 2 Abstracts of Contributions

PLENARY SPEECH I, Wednesday 12th February 2003, 9:30-11:00

[PL1] Ecological Distribution Conflicts in a Context of Uncertainty
by Joan MARTINEZ ALIER, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

Abstract
If one reads Ulrich Beck it seems that there are no longer economic distribution conflicts, only new conflicts on the distribution of risks from new technologies. We see however that there are ecological distribution conflicts which relate to old technologies (oil extraction, mining operations), more and more displaced to the South, and there are certainly also new conflicts related to new technologies where uncertainty more than probabilistic risk is the issue.

[Paper in pdf format] 72Kb

PLENARY SPEECH II, Wednesday 12th February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PL2] Multicriteria Evaluation and Participation: In Search for Theoretical Foundations
by Sigrid STAGL, University of Leeds, UK

Abstract
The challenges of decision making about changes of complex systems has led to
the development of novel combinations of analytical tools and participatory
methods. In an ever-increasing number of case studies multicriteria evaluation
(MCE) is applied within participatory processes. These empirical applications
have led to methodological and some theoretical advances, but also raised many
questions. This paper builds on this experience and aims to put the existing
building blocs together towards a novel theoretical framework for environmental
decision-making. For this purpose we draw on various disciplines, especially
institutional economics, (social) psychology, political science and
evolutionary theory. The paper uses two case studies from the energy sector to
highlight differences in the use of participatory MCE and to highlight key
questions, which remain open to date.

[Paper in pdf format] 116 Kb

PARALLEL SESSION 1 on Participatory Decision Processes I, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 15:00-16:30

[PS1] The use of Citizens' Juries in Water Resource Management
by Wendy KENYON, Macaulay Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

Abstract
Member states are obliged to "encourage the active involvement of all interested parties in the implementation" of the WFD (Article 14). The Citizens’ Jury (CJ) is one approach which could facilitate this active involvement and encourage communication between scientists, the lay public and policy makers. The paper critically assesses the potential role of CJs in implementing the WFD, drawing on case studies carried out in a variety of contexts and locations. It identifies the potential advantages of using CJs in the context of water resource management but concentrates on the identifying and addressing problems related to CJs both in general and related to water resource management. In particular the paper focuses on issues pertinent to river basin management with which the traditional CJ approach has struggled to address. These issues include the huge geographic scale involved in the management of water resources; political and institutional complexities when rivers cross political and administrative borders; and the long run time scale that must be considered in managing water resources. The paper suggests ways in which the CJ can be further developed to better meet the needs of the WFD and of water resources management in general. This includes using a jury network approach which better deals with issues involving large geographical areas; a citizens’ panel, where long term participation is needed; and a three-stage jury approach which demonstrates commitment, and lead to real action.

[Synopsis]

PARALLEL SESSION 1 on Participatory Decision Processes I, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 15:00-16:30

[PS2] Renegotiating the past. Implementing the National Water Act in South Africa
by Philip WOODHOUSE, Institute for Development Policy and Management, Manchester, UK

Abstract
This paper reviews recent literature on the decentralisation of management of natural resources, which is seen by many as the key to resolving problems of environmental degradation and rural poverty, particularly in less industrialised economies. In particular, it examines the contrast between expectations and experience in the decentralisation of authority over natural resources management. A case study of the reform of water legislation in South Africa is used to explore the ways in which decentralisation can improve representation of disadvantaged groups, and the obstacles which remain to be overcome.

[Synopsis]

PARALLEL SESSION 1 on Participatory Decision Processes I, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 15:00-16:30

[PS3] Participatory methods for integrated river basin management
by Nuno VIDEIRA, Paula ANTUNES, Rui SANTOS & GonÁalo LOBO, Ecoman Centre, DCEA-FCT/UNL, Portugal

Abstract
River basin management in Europe faces a new challenge. The implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) asks decision-makers to develop integrated policies and plans to ensure achievement and maintenance of "good status" for all Community waters by 2015 (CEC, 2000; WWF, 2001a; WWF, 2001b). One of the key issues being discussed in the WFD Common Implementation Strategy (CEC, 2001) is the active involvement of the public and stakeholder groups at the different stages of the WFD. In this context, the promotion of the participation principle lacks further investigation and assessment. This paper discusses the issues involving the selection and testing of participatory mechanisms for the implementation of the WFD. The wide spectrum of tools and methods for public/stakeholder participation is reviewed according to a set of criteria and goals (Beirle & Cayford, 2002) for judging the success of its application at a river basin scale. A participatory framework for integrated river basin management is proposed, whereby the role of different tools is compared. A particular emphasis is given to the contribution of group model building (Richardson and Andersen, 1995; Vennix, 1996) and mediated modelling (van den Belt et al, 2000) for the integrated assessment of river basin projects and plans. These methods provide a communication platform for active stakeholder collaboration when tackling the governance issues involved in the implementation of the WFD. The application of participatory methods in the context of integrated river basin management is illustrated with the results from two case studies under development in Portugal.

[Synopsis]

PARALLEL SESSION 1 on Business and Sustainability I, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 15:00-16:30

[PS4] Biophysical aggregation in life cycle assessment: comparative economic ecological evaluation of eucalyptus and industrial hemp fibres
by By Ricardo VIEIRA, Tiago DOMINGOS and Ana SIMOES; Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal and Paulo CANAVEIRA, CELPA, Paper Industry Association, Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an important tool for assessing environmental impacts and economic ecological aspects. However, its application still faces the methodological problem of aggregating the multiple impact categories, allowing an evaluation of the trade-offs involved. The goals of this study are the comparison of various methods of aggregation of inventory data for economic and environmental evaluation (economic, emergy, impact and energy analyses) applied to two kinds of sources of fibres in the paper industry (industrial hemp and eucalyptus).

Eucalyptus revealed better results for Portuguese paper industry, although, some considerations, like technology improvements expected for hemp paper, can lead to a better hemp performance. However, in some aspects hemp cannot become better than eucalyptus, due to the intrinsic differences between a tree and an herbaceous plant. Important assumptions with respect to industrial hemp pulp production were made, related to energy production and consumption and emissions of carbon dioxide. In order to validate the assumptions made, it is necessary that industrial hemp pulp processes continue to be developed and studied.

Important aspects to take into account are limitations of the methods considered such as the distinction between work by the environment and work by man, in the emergy analysis and considering effluent emissions other than carbon dioxide, in the ecological footprint.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 44Kb

PARALLEL SESSION 1 on Business and Sustainability I, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 15:00-16:30

[PS5] Product service systems and their impacts on sustainable development
by Ines OMANN, University of Graz, Department of Economics and Sustainable Europe Research Institute (SERI), Vienna

Abstract
The implementation of eco-efficient product service systems (PSS) is seen as a contribution to sustainable development on the micro level. The basic idea of PSS is not to sell the product itself, but rather the service that is offered by the product. The development AND successful - in the sense of positive impacts on sustainable development - implementation of PSS, are however challenging for companies. Sustainability is seen as a three dimensional concept (economic, social, environmental), expressed via a set of criteria, such as reduction of environmental burden, competitiveness of the companies, employment situation, consumer satisfaction, and others. Barriers and trade-offs between different sustainability targets arise. For many years PSS have been known and acknowledged as effective means towards more sustainable production. Despite several singular initiatives, the PSS have still not been implemented widely. Reasons for this failure of dissemination of the concept may be (a) the lack of inappropriate support methodologies and tools for the companies and (b) the (still) missing acceptance of consumers. Here we address the former barrier.

This paper presents the application of a multi-criteria tool which was developed in order to evaluate PSS ideas according to their contribution to sustainable development. The PSS ideas were generated by eleven companies according to an array of sustainability criteria.

This evaluation was part of a research project with the aim to implement PSS in Austrian companies. The development of criteria, which describe the sustainability of PSS sufficiently and of an Excel based evaluation tool, which allows comparing the new ideas with existing conventional products were the main tasks. The tool offers a service and development aid for the companies as it generates a learning effect. They learned about the idea of sustainable development, about their products’ sustainability impact and about what to consider if trying to reach sustainable development. This learning process is an important issue for generating new knowledge which is important for problem solving in organisations such as companies.

The results of the evaluation are presented and interpreted in relation to the integration of the different sustainability dimensions.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 127Kb

PARALLEL SESSION 1 on Business and Sustainability I, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 15:00-16:30

[PS6] Price ambivalence on the German waste paper market stylized facts and a dynamic model
by Ralph WINKLER & Stefan BAUMGÄRTNER, Interdisciplinary Institute for Environmental Economics, University of Heidelberg, Germany and Alfred-Weber-Institute of Economics, University of Heidelberg, Germany

Abstract
We present a case study of the complex interrelationship between environmental policy, regulatory institutions, market forces, and technology. The case we draw upon is the German market for low quality waste paper between 1985 and 2000. Since 1990 the price for low quality waste paper, although it is used productively as a secondary resource, is at times positive and at times negative. We term this phenomenon price ambivalence. The underlying reason is given by three institutional and technical characteristics of the market: (i) As a result of waste management laws the supply of waste paper is mostly independent of its price and its demand. (ii) Disposal of waste paper is not free but generally costly, e.g. by dumping or incineration. Alternatively, it may be used as a secondary resource in the production of new paper. (iii) The use of the secondary material as a productive input by the paper industry is technically limited. In this paper we derive a simple dynamic model for the German waste paper market compatible with the institutional and technical characteristics, and show how price ambivalence occurs.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 31Kb

PARALLEL SESSION 1 on Ecologic and Economic Models, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 15:00-16:30

[PS7] Designing a green payment program for two Austrian watersheds
by Erwin SCHMID, Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA and Markus F. HOFREITHER, Department of Economics, Politics and Law, University of Agricultural Sciences, Vienna, Austria

Abstract
In order to achieve environmental objectives in agriculture, many countries have implemented green payment programs. Often these programs are not able to efficiently solve the problem addressed because they are not sufficiently adjusted to local conditions. Yet, complex biophysical process models today allow predicting emission loads quite exactly under various conditions (weather, soil types, land use, management practices, topographies). Combining such models with economic optimization models provides a powerful tool to analyse the linkages between agricultural production and emission loads and thus generates sufficient information for designing efficient policies with economic and environmental objectives.

To address these issues, an integrative modeling system combining the biophysical process model EPIC (Environmental Policy Integrated Climate) with two regional, nonlinear, multi-level programming models that is employed for two Austrian watersheds is introduced. It captures farmers’ strategic responses to different combinations of policy instruments (premiums, penalties, inspection rates) in the program. Portraying the decision levels of policy makers and farmers permits control of decision variables from the opposite player. Although the policy maker is not able to control all actions taken by farmers (e.g. fertilizer application rates), their behavior can be altered by appropriately combining policy instruments.

Recognizing the importance of spatial diversities in policy formulation, the policy effects are evaluated in an environmental and economic outcome space. This integrative modeling system is able to provide reliable information for policy makers that puts them in a position to design efficient green payment programs truly fostering sustainable agricultural development.

[Paper in pdf format] 99Kb

PARALLEL SESSION 1 on Ecologic and Economic Models, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 15:00-16:30

[PS8] An ecological-economic modelling to calculate compensation payments for conservation management
by Karin JOHST, Martin DRECHSLER & Frank WÄTZOLD, Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Germany

Abstract
A common instrument for conflict regulation between species protection and agriculture in Europe are compensation payments. An open question is whether these payments are designed and allocated efficiently, thus leading to maximum ecological benefit for a given financial budget. The answer to this question requires the integration of financial costs and ecological benefits in a common framework. In our presentation, this common framework is an ecological-economic modelling procedure developed in co-operation between economists and ecologists. The procedure has been applied to the example of White Stork protection in Germany. The presently applied mowing regime of meadows has contributed to the decline of the White Stork breeding population. To change this conventional mowing into one that is more favourable to the White Stork would cause additional costs to the farmers. Therefore compensation payments have to be offered to those farmers changing their mowing regime. An ecological simulation model was used to investigate the consequences of alternative mowing regimes to the breeding success of the White Stork. Knowledge of the emerging additional costs for the farmers was obtained from an economic survey. The ecological-economic modelling procedure integrates this ecological and economic information. It delivers the magnitude of the compensation payments which have to be offered to the farmers and the efficient spatio-temporal allocation pattern of these payments at a regional level, all as functions of the available budget.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 24Kb

PARALLEL SESSION 1 on Ecologic and Economic Models, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 15:00-16:30

[PS9] Sustainable management of semiarid rangelands. an ecological-economic model and the example of the Gamis farm
by Martin QUAAS and Stefan BAUMGÄRTNER, Interdisciplinary Institute for Environmental Economics, University of Heidelberg, Germany; and Birgit MÜLLER, Karin FRANK and Christian WISSEL, UFZ – Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Germany

Abstract
In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of how human economic activity over time depends on and interferes with natural ecosystems and their internal dynamics, it is necessary to employ models that capture the relevant internal structure and dynamics of both ecosystems and the economic system as well as their interaction in a unifying way. In this paper, we concentrate on semiarid rangeland systems which are found in many parts of the world. They are ecologically very sensitive systems, yet they are of great local economic importance. The starting point for a more general analysis is the example of the Gamis farm in Namibia, where the farmer applies a sophisticated but counter-intuitive grazing strategy with good success. Based on an ecological-economic simulation model we identify grazing management strategies which are viable in ecological and economic terms. This takes into account variability of precipitation, stochasticity of the ecological dynamics, existence and farmer's access to financial and insurance markets, and farmer's attitude toward risk.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 30Kb

FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION I on Food Miles, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 18:30-20:00

[FD1] Organic food and global trade: is the market delivering agricultural sustainability?
by Dan RIGBY & Sophie BOWN, University of Manchester, UK

Abstract
Concerns over the environmental and social costs of conventional agriculture have generated a range of ‘alternative’ agricultural approaches, most notably organic farming. The organic agricultural system has developed rapidly, with supermarkets and agro-industry playing an increased role in production and retailing. This paper reviews the evidence regarding the environmental benefits of the organic production system and identifies 2 major areas of concern: (i) the environmental implications of the growing international trade in organic products, and (ii) the environmental and social implications of the increasing dominance of the organic market by the conventional food buyers, processors and retailers.

The first issue is discussed and analysed using data on UK organic imports. This allows a consideration of the trade off between the benefits of on-farm reductions in agro chemical and energy use and the additional greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted and energy consumed by these shipments. This poses questions about the appropriate level at which to make sustainability assessments of such agricultural systems. The second issue concerns the broader development of the organic market in Europe and the USA, particularly the environmental and social implications of the shift away from local, organic food networks. The role and effects of regulation in this area are then examined.

These issues lead to an analysis of what can and can not be delivered by the organic farming. It is argued that despite the widespread association of organic with ideas of food produced on small, local, mixed, family farms, these associations are unravelling as the organic food system becomes dominated by the same pressures and corporations as the conventional food system.

[Paper in pdf format] 140Kb [Related Paper in pdf format] 152Kb

FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION 1 on Strong Sustainability, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 18:30-20:00

[FD2] Strong sustainability and environmental policy in Germany
by Konrad OTT & Ralf DÖRING, University of Greifswald, Germany

Abstract

In his biannual report 2002 the German Council of Environmental Advisers analysed the competing concepts of weak vs. strong sustainability in some detail. The Council argues that sustainability should be seen as an ecologically focused concept which should also take related social and economic phenomena into account. The Council proposed to adopt a slightly modified concept of strong sustainability as a basic guideline in environmental policy. Since the authors were respectively parts of the Council they have contributed to the Councilís judgement. For this paper the authors have chosen three areas which had been part of the Councils last two reports (biannual report and a special report on nature conservation) for a more close discussion on the implementation of strong sustainability, i.e. the investment in natural capital. These areas are the integration of nature conservation in land use systems (mainly agriculture), strategies to overcome the overuse of stocks in fisheries, and the debate on global climate change.

Keywords: Strong Sustainability, German Environmental Policy, Investment in Natural Capital

[Paper in pdf format] 150Kb

FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION 1 on Education, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 18:30-20:00

[FD3] Ecological economics: An introductory intensive course
by Juha HIEDANPÄÄ, University of Turku, Finland; and Marc ALBRECHT, University of Nebraska at Kearney, USA

Abstract
In this paper we describe an introductory intensive course on ecological economics. The course will take place in January 2003 at the University of Turku. Juha has taught the introductory course on environmental economics several times in various Finnish universities. Marc has taught courses on the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and used it also as an educational tool in his ecology classes. In this paper we combine our experiences as environmental educators. The purpose is to describe how the GIS, the internet, ecological economic, and transactive approach to environmental planning could be integrated in a classroom situation. The course builds upon an institutionalist view of economics (Mirowski 1990; Colander 2000) and pragmatist philosophy of learning (see John Dewey in references).

An institutionalist view of economics entails: (i) People are not only volitional actors, but also habit- and custom-driven actants. (ii) Economy is a complex, open, adaptive network of productive practices. (iii) Natural processes and human activities merge together in productive practices. Therefore, no dualism exists between nature and culture. (iv) Both formal norms and informal morals are internal to the economy, not only the latter one, because both exist and are effective to the extent they are exercised in practice. (v) The task of economics is to make contingently sense of the complex processes and structures that constitute the problematic situation in need of scientific analysis and policy insight.

The pragmatist philosophy of learning entails: (i) Learning is transactive, not an interactive process. People use entities, structures and processes within their environment as enabling (or disenabling) scaffolds for their activities, be those entities, structures and processes e.g. laws, agreements, textbooks, internet, other students, movies, novels, guidelines, customs, habits or routines etc. One important aspect of pragmatist learning is an active pursuit to create supporting scaffolds for the sake of promoting and enhancing individual self-creation and social growth. (ii) Knowing-how precedes knowing-that. Therefore learning always disturbs and changes the existing habits of action and thought. (iii) Criticism and self-criticism is a necessary condition of social and individual creativity and learning. (iv) Pragmatist education builds upon active participation in associative processes of learning.

[Paper in pdf format]194K

FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION 1 on Education, Wednesday 12 February 2003, 18:30-20:00

[FD4]  Energy efficient schools in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Ganaria
by Roque CALERO, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Abstract
This article looks at three different school projects, carried out in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, designed at informing and training the students in the use of renewable energy and how to save water and electricity, within a broader ranging project designed at environmental training and interpretation. The aim of the three projects was to train the students, via the technology used , for them to take the lessons with respect to the benefits of the same back home with them, to their neighbourhood and town for them to be adopted, in the long run, by the rest of the citizens.

[Synopsis] [Paper in pdf format] 24Kb

PLENARY SPEECH III, Thursday 13th February 2003, 9:30-11:00

[PL3] The Revolution in Welfare Economics and its Implications for Environmental Valuation: A Partial Critique of Ecological Economics
by John GOWDY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, USA

Abstract
Neoclassical welfare economics is in disarray after more than three decades of a "quiet revolution" undermining the theory of consumer choice and the fundamental theorems of welfare economics. These theorems lie behind widely used techniques to value the environment including cost benefit analysis (CBA) and widely used benchmarks to judge sustainability, as in weak sustainability. Within environmental and ecological economics CBA continues to proliferate in spite of its well-known theoretical shortcomings. The first half of this paper examines the welfare economics base of CBA focusing on (1) The fundamental theoretical flaws in the calculation and use of potential Pareto improvements as a policy guide to making social welfare judgments (2) The rational actor model underlying CBA which has been shown to be an unsatisfactory explanation of human behavior. Cost-benefit environmental valuation systematically distort real-life decision-making processes by filtering expressed preferences through the discredited framework of neoclassical welfare economics. The paper then turns to a discussion of multi-criteria assessment and participatory decision-making in the context of endogenous preferences. Finally, I discuss the role of ecological economics in promoting strong sustainability the context of the current revolution in economic theory.

[Paper in pdf format]

PARALLEL SESSION II on Participatory Decision Processes II, Thursday 13 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS10] Participatory decision processes in practice: their current and potential role in the GMO decision-making process
by  Claudia CARTER, The Macaulay Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

Abstract
This paper synthesises new material and recent experience from ongoing work brought together under an EC-funded thematic network on ‘Consultative Institutions: Values and Information in a Changing Society’ (CIVICS). The contribution looks at the current use of participatory processes in the debate and policy-formulating process about the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture in six European countries. The current institutional and legal setting of participatory processes is summarised and reviewed. Institutionalising formalised deliberative processes is seen as a necessary step to increase their impact and contribution to decision-making on scientifically complex and environmentally significant issues.

Participatory processes are viewed as one important part of reducing the current ‘democratic deficit’, i.e. voters’ apathy and lack of trust in representative democracy to adequately translate citizens’ views and values into policy. Different objectives of participatory processes and their design and execution are discussed using recent studies on the use/release of GMOs to highlight problems and potential solutions with regard to their current and potential role in the regional, national and European decision-making context. Key aspects in deciding whether formalised deliberative processes are effective include (i) the relationship of participatory processes with the policy formulating process; (ii) the scope for participants to redefine issues and options; (iii) the perceived representativeness of the participants, views and outcomes; and (iv) the transparency of the process.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 19Kb

PARALLEL SESSION II on Participatory Decision Processes II, Thursday 13 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS11] Participatory environmental policy making: from EU institutionalisation to practical implementation in the case of the thematic strategy on the sustainable use of pesticides
by  Sybille VAN DEN HOVE, Institut de les Ciències i de les Tecnologies Ambientals (ICTA) - Universtitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

Abstract
Participatory environmental policy-making has progressively been integrated in various European Community legal instruments over the last few years. The recently adopted Sixth European Community Environment Action Programme (6thEAP) represents a landmark institutionalisation of participatory environmental governance. Now that this step has been taken, the challenge lies in the practical development and implementation of participatory processes that result in more effective environmental policy in the European Union.

The paper will start with a review of some justifications to the use of participatory process for environmental decision-making grounded on the theoretical correspondences between environmental issues, the nature of life in society and participatory approaches. It will then examine how participation has been institutionalised through integration in the 6thEAP and in particular whether the proposed development of participatory approaches actually builds on those justifications. As an illustration, the paper will study the first attempts to implement the participation requirement in the European Commission preparation of the new Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. The 6thEAP specifically requires this thematic strategy to be "developed and implemented in close consultation with the relevant parties, such as NGOs, industry, other social partners and public authorities, (…)." (Article 4). Challenges, drawbacks, limitations and lessons to be learned from the first stages of this real-life process will be identified. Problems inherent to participatory endeavours as well as specific implementation problems will be pointed to, and some ideas on how these can be addressed will be proposed. Conclusions will include a reflection on the role of ecological economics research to assist in the development of "general rules and principles for good environmental governance in dialogue processes" (Article 3 (9)).

[Synopsis]

PARALLEL SESSION II on Participatory Decision Processes II, Thursday 13 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS12] Industrial policy, ecological economics and deliberative democracy
by Pat DEVINE, School of Economic Studies, University of Manchester, UK

Abstract
This paper examines ways in which ecological concerns might be institutionalised as part of the decision-making process with respect to the formation of industrial and regional policy. The remodelling of European regional policy in the 1990s was premised on the importance of subsidiarity, partnership, planning and additionality. The characteristics of key ecological concerns, in particular the fact that decisions often have to be made before the necessary scientific evidence can be obtained, have led ecological economists to advocate procedural democracy. It is argued that the partnership approach favoured by the European Commission in order to promote a self-sustaining developmental capacity at local and regional levels has affinities with the process of deliberative democracy recommended by ecological economists. The reasons underlying each of these approaches are analysed and tentative conclusions are drawn for other aspects of policy formation.

[Paper in pdf format] 45Kb

PARALLEL SESSION II on Material Flow Analysis and Consumption I, Thursday 13 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS13] Economic modelling of sustainable consumption patterns for mobility and heating for Austria
by Angela KLETZAN, Angela KÖPPL, & Kurt KRATENA, Austrian Institute for Economic Research, WIFO, Austria

Abstract
The past decades of environmental concern focused on the negative impact of production on the environment. The issue of sustainable consumption emerged as political and research topic after the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. Changes in consumption processes are increasingly recognised as important steps towards sustainable development.

The paper starts out with an overview on theoretical and empirical research and sketches new approaches in economic modelling of sustainable consumption. The remainder of the paper concentrates on economic modelling and quantification of changes in consumer behaviour towards more sustainable structures in the areas of transport and room heating in Austria. The objective is to evaluate a number of technical possibilities and potential changes in lifestyles and their respective impact on energy flows. It is intended to move beyond the standard models of consumption by incorporating non-economic factors into empirical and model analysis. A special focus is put on the relationship between stocks and flows as well as consumption services as welfare relevant factors. Furthermore, the impact of shifts in demand resulting from changes in consumption patterns are illustrated.

[Synopsis]

PARALLEL SESSION II on Material Flow Analysis and Consumption I, Thursday 13 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS14] Preliminary material and energy flow accounting of Spain
by Daniela RUSSI, Silvia CAÑELLAS-BOLTÁ, Ana CITLALIC, Ignasi PUIG, Cristina SENDRA, Miquel MUÑOZ &Amalia SOJO, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

Abstract
Intensity of material and energy use could be a good indicator to assess to what extent a country is unsustainable. In this sense, a hypothesis is to be verified: the idea that countries, due to technological progress, are in the way of dematerialization, i.e., their metabolisms require less and less material and energy consumption over time.

Although implications of sustainability lay in a large extent on qualitative properties, the quantitative scale of the societal metabolism may give some indication of the potential environmental impact of the economy. In this paper, the possible dematerialization of Spanish economy is analysed – in absolute and relative numbers - by measuring its throughput in both material and energy terms. The analysis has been carried out in three sectors: energy, biomass and mines/ores, in the period 1980-1998.

The main result of the analysis is that Spain economy is not dematerializating. On the contrary, its energy and material uses have been steadily increasing. Even though, Domestic Extraction has fallen down, imports have increased, and there is a clear trend of incremented consumption over time.

[Synopsis]

PARALLEL SESSION II on Material Flow Analysis and Consumption I, Thursday 13 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS15] Visualisation of consumptive behaviour on the basis of material intensity
by Andreas NIEDERL & Roman MESICEK, Sustainable Europe Research Institute (SERI), Vienna, Austria

Abstract
The paper describes the final product and the process of development of a questionnaire for the self-assessment of the consumptive behaviour especially for the younger generation. After pointing out the importance of the material flows created by society, we argue that that one way to reverse the current trend is a change in consumption patterns. A precondition for such a change is awareness for the problem. A possibility to create this awareness is an online questionnaire on direct and indirect resource consumption. The questionnaire allows interested persons to spot the material flow their consumptive behaviour in selected areas is causing and therewith to inspire them to rethink their behaviour. Material flow analysis (MFA) serves as the methodological basis and material intensity per unit of service (MIPS) as the respective indicator. The consumption clusters with the highest relevance are those that are responsible for the highest environmental relevance and can be influenced by individuals. After identifying these clusters, the process of the questionnaire creation is presented in the different areas defined.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 265Kb

PARALLEL SESSION II on Processes of Valuation, Thursday 13 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS16] Private versus social valuation of solid waste management policies. A comparison of stated preference and expert assessment
by Carmelo LEON & Matías GONZALEZ, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Abstract

The valuation of environmental goods is commonly approached with the use of non-market methods such as stated preference and contingent valuation. These methods elicit private preferences which might contrast with the social construction of environmental preferences in policy decision making. This paper addresses the policy process of deciding upon alternative solid waste management options and compares it with the elicitation of private preferences following stated preference techniques. The application focuses on the implementation of a recycling program in the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) which would reduce dependence on landfills for waste disposal in a context of land scarcity. The use of the current landfill requires compensation to the local community which can be evaluated by the external costs. A stated preference survey utilizing a discrete choice experiment was carried out to the local community in the surroundings of the landfill. The experiment presented subjects with alternative policies for managing waste which would reduce the utilization of the landfill, including its closure and the proposal of an alternative localization. The results of this study are compared with the outcome of the political process which decided upon the recycling policy alternatives and the appropriate compensation to the local community. The results show that private values elicited in market valuation scenarios do not match the ordering generated through the political processes deciding upon environmental policies.

Keywords: Choice experiments, Expert assessment, Non-market valuation, Private values, Social preferences.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 104Kb

PARALLEL SESSION II on Processes of Valuation, Thursday 13 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS17] How much for your wife? A critique of the pragmatic assigning of
monetary values to ecological goods and services
by Katharine FARRELL, Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK

Abstract
The practice of assigning monetary values to ecological goods and services, in order to resolve what David Pearce calls the "zero price problem" has been a subject of debate practically since it was first proposed. At present, many working in the area of ecological economics are cautious of its use and even some who endorse monetary valuation justify its use on pragmatic rather than purely theoretical grounds, arguing that it is useful to express ecological service values in a way that is salient to cost benefit decision-making systems, which are predominant in most western democracies. This paper argues that the impossibility of expressing ecologically accurate monetary values for these services, combined with the normative outcomes of attempts to do so, constitutes a topic that should be of far greater concern to ecological economists than would appear to be the case.

The fundamental principles underlying the formulation of the "zero price problem" are considered and the usefulness of the democratic polis as a tool for making decisions relating to matters of the commons is explored. Three representative applications of monetary valuation are reviewed in detail and considered within the context of ecological economics as it is was originally defined and within the context of an emerging ecological economics discourse, which is exploring the place and position that political theory might play in its further development and normative functions.

[Synopsis] [Paper in pdf format] 132Kb

PARALLEL SESSION II on Processes of Valuation, Thursday 13 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS18] Participatory Economic Evaluation – Experience in Forest Valuation with Villagers in Vietnam
by Guido KUCHELMEISTER, Kuchelmeister Consult, Germany

Abstract
Inspite of the recent great efforts of the Government of Vietnam to promote smallholder afforestation on barren land, little is known how villagers value their forest resources. Also local decision makers and villagers are sceptical about results of economic analysis that is conducted in a style which is not transparent enough for people to understand; data used are perceived as inaccurate and assumptions made are perceived as obscure. The limitations of conventional valuation suggest that it might be a good thing to encourage active involvement of villagers in the economic valuation of their forests. However, this is a new field in participatory approaches in land use development.

Under the framework of KfW (Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau) co-financed afforestation projects in Vietnam, an innovative Participatory Economic Valuation (PEV) procedure was tested. The purpose of this PEV was to assist forest smallholders and local leaders to improve forest resource development decisions.

The paper outlines the basic assumptions, advantages of PEV compared to conventional valuation approaches, describes implementation stages and results of the field exercise in villages in Northern Vietnam.

Major lesson learned from the exercise in Vietnam suggests that the tested bottom-up approach of valuation proved to be a good media of communication to identify the production forests in the village for which clear cutting should be avoided at all costs in order to maintain the watershed benefits. In this case PEV provides economic arguments for conversion of unstable pure plantation to continuous forest cover (CFC). How to deal with the time preference is still a challenge in the task of further refining participatory resource valuation.

[Synopsis] [Paper in pdf format] 44Kb

Abstract
The promotion of science for sustainable development requires procedures for evaluating science and technology contributions against criteria for sustainability. Neither the advance of science and technology itself nor the current widening of competitive markets can be expected to promote, as if ‘naturally’, a path of sustainable development. On the contrary, the short-term orientation and the mixtures of commercial, military and other preoccupations that motivate much of the science-based technology development are most often controversial to a sustainability perspective based on peace, justice and environmentally sound development (Funtowicz et al. 1999). There is an undeniable risk of undersupplying public goods essential to sustainable development when too much of the R&D talent is in private hands, and focused on delivering private value.

[Paper in pdf format] 486Kb

FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION II on Climate Change, Thursday 13 February 2003, 15:00-16:30 

[FD6] Practical contributions of ecological economics to addressing climate change
by Sybille VAN DEN HOVE, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

Abstract
This paper is a "Thought starter document" for group discussion on "Practical contributions of Ecological Economics to addressing climate change". Its main objective is to provide a basis to initiate (hopefully) fruitful discussions. It is neither exhaustive nor objective and only represents some preliminary reflections of its author on the topic.

In preparation for the group discussion, interested participants were invited to send a one or two page(s) summary of climate change-related ecological economics research that they have been doing.They were asked to present the methodology, the rationale for an ecological economics approach, the lessons learnt, and/or any comment in relation to the issues for discussion presented in the last section of this thought starter.

[Van den Hove Paper in pdf format] 60Kb

[Noemi Padrón Fumero] 16Kb

FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION II on Multi-Criteria Mapping, Thursday 13 February 2003, 15:00-16:30

[FD7] What do we do about the foxes? a multi-regional application of the multicriteria mapping technique in Australia
by Ben GILNA, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

Abstract
This research investigates two things. The first is the attitudes in different circumstances and regions of Australia regarding control of the introduced pest, the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The second is an examination of the research method itself. Fox control is an issue with high stakes for biodiversity and (less so) for agriculture in Australia, and current and proposed control methods are divisive. As such, Multicriteria Mapping (MCM; (Stirling & Mayer 1999) was selected for its professed suitability in charting sentiment across a divided community. This is a multicriteria approach that aims to explore and inform of the distribution of values and concerns raised by an issue, in a heuristic fashion, rather than arrive at a single ‘best’ answer. This work forms the basis of studies being undertaken for a doctoral thesis, and this paper thus reports on work-in-progress. Partial funding is gratefully received from the Pest Animal Control Co-operative Research Centre, but the work remains independent.

[Paper in pdf format] 87K

FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSION II on Multi-Criteria Mapping, Thursday 13 February 2003, 15:00-16:30

[FD8] Deliberative mapping: integrating citizens and specialists appraisals in a transparent and inclusive participatory process
by Malcolm EAMES -Policy Studies Institute-, Andrew STIRLING -SPRU, University of Sussex- , Jacqui BURGESS, Gail DAVIES, Suzanne WILLIAMSON -ESRU, University College London-, Sue MAYER, and Kristina STALEY -SPRU, University of Sussex

Abstract
One response to the declining authority of government and science has been to seek to increase the legitimacy and democratic accountability of decision-making through new public consultation techniques - emphasising face-to-face deliberation between experts and citizens. However, many of these new participatory techniques (e.g. citizenís juries and consensus conferences) can be criticised for a lack of rigour, transparency and inclusiveness, an undue emphasis on consensus. Deliberative Mapping is an innovative method of public consultation that seeks to combine expert and citizen assessments, emphasising diversity and social learning as the basis for robust, democratic and accountable decision-making. It is based on the integration of two independent but complementary approaches to policy appraisal that have been successfully applied in the environmental field: Multi-Criteria Mapping (MCM) and Stakeholder Dialogue Analysis (SDA). The Deliberative Mapping method has been piloted through a Wellcome Trust funded project appraising technology and policy options for addressing the shortage of donor organs (specifically kidneys) for transplantation. The project was organised around a series of Specialist and Citizens Panels, which employed both qualitative deliberation and quantitative assessment techniques to build up a detailed picture of the participantsí knowledge, value judgements and beliefs concerning the range of transplantation options, both before and after structured interaction through a joint Citizens/Specialist workshop. This paper will outline the Deliberative Mapping project and methodology, present preliminary findings from the organ transplantation case study, and discuss the potential wider application of this novel approach with respect to environmental decision-making and sustainability appraisal.
 

[Paper in pdf format]194K

POSTER SESSION, Thursday 13 February 2003, 16:30-18:00

[P1] Institutions and development of genetically modified plants
by Valborg KVAKKESTAD, Department of Economics and Social Sciences,
Agricultural University of Norway

Abstract
This paper is about the influence of institutional structures on technological development. While there is always an element of novelty in any technological change, it is also a product of the social and economical context. Genetically modified plants (GMP) is a new technology that has a significant potential for influencing society. It is therefore relevant to illuminate what influences the research and development of GMP, and thereby which effects GMP can have on the society and the natural environment. The issue examined is how different institutions surrounding the GMP-researchers influences their research and development of GMP. The legal and economical framework for GMP research as well as guidelines and social norms within the research organisation are institutions, which are believed to influence the research and development of GMP. The researchers attitudes towards GMP are also believed to influence the behaviour of the GMP-researcher. The analysis is based upon qualitative interviews with GMP-researchers. The results from the interviews indicate that he patent system leads researchers to focus on patenting instead of publishing, even in public research organisations and even if the researcher wants to publish. The results suggests that private funding gives incentives to focus on developing GMP that yields profits while public funding gives incentives to focus on GMP which can be important for national production and industry. An important effect of private funding is that the researchers are obligated to secrecy regarding their research. The beliefs about the consequences of GMP weighted against the researcher’s evaluation of these consequences influences their preferences regarding research topics.

[Synopsis] [Synopsis in pdf format]

POSTER SESSION, Thursday 13 February 2003, 16:30-18:00

[P2] Energy and emergy analysis of meat and dairy production in intensive, extensive and biological system
by Sandra SERRANO,  Tiago DOMINGOS & Ana SIMOES, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract
Energy analysis of food production systems has shown that the increased productivity by hectare leads to a decline of energy use efficiency. Intensive production brought a high dependence from inputs with origin in non-renewable resources. Systems analysis of agricultural production is the first step to correct this situation (Hill, 1976).

The objective of this article is to compare different meat and dairy production systems in Portugal using two distinct methods - Conventional energy analysis and emergy analysis. In this study, energy analysis gives different indicators to access sustainability. The definitions behind each indicator are important to the interpretation of the results. For each indicator the farm defined as sustainable is not the same. Energy indicators give different sustainability results too, as the energy indicators. The analysis of all indicators in study reveled that biological livestock production systems are more sustainable.

[Paper in pdf-format] 86Kb

POSTER SESSION, Thursday 13 February 2003, 16:30-18:00

[P3] Developing evaluation theory and practice in water project decision-making processes: comparative ex-post analysis of five European case studies
by Gary HILL, Clive SPASH and K. URAMA, The Macaulay Institute and L. DEL MORAL, P. PANEQUE and B. PEDREGAL, Department of Human Geography, University of Seville

Abstract
The new Water Framework Directive requires prior evaluation of all new river basin interventions. However, its failure to provide detailed guidance on standards of evaluation best practice, could potentially undermine and threaten the WFD objectives. This is particularly the case where interventions are characterised by high levels of complexity, uncertainty and conflict. This paper is set within the context of the ADVISOR project (Integrated Evaluation for Sustainable River Basin Governance), the main aim of which is to develop a set of evaluation guidelines for authorities and agencies responsible for administering river basin interventions. The development of the guidelines is to be informed by the ex-post analysis of five case studies of major river basin projects and policies from across Europe. Set within the context of the post-normal scientific paradigm, this paper presents a comparative analysis of the evaluation process, and more specifically the "assessment" element, of these case studies. This analysis includes a consideration of the practical application of different types of assessment tools including multiple criteria approaches. From this analysis a number of barriers and opportunities are identified towards achieving sound assessment practices as part of integrated evaluation

[Synopsis]

POSTER SESSION, Thursday 13 February 2003, 16:30-18:00

[P4] Taxes, environment and tourism in the island of Lanzarote
by Jordi ROCA,  Marcelo HERCOWITZ, Ignasi PUIG & Oliver HERNANDEZ, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

Abstract
The economic dependence on tourism of Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, in Spain, produces a contradictory effect: on the one hand, it generates income which increases the population’s living conditions, and on the other hand it generates environmental pressures that may endanger the local ecosystem, and hence the developing of tourism and the population’s living conditions themselves.

After years of tourism growth in the island, a broad debate has arisen within the local society concerning the future development of the island. This debate culminated in 1998 with the approbation of the "tourism moratorium" by the government. Nowadays, the Lanzarote’s government has in place a policy to stop the proliferation of new accommodation facilities in the island, by means of reacquiring construction licenses which have been given in the past, avoiding an increase of approximately 250.000 new "touristic beds". Nevertheless, the government could not reacquire construction licenses of lands where owners had made some kind of urban development, such as sidewalks or light installations, for which an indemnification will have to be paid.

The paper hereby presented is divided in two parts. The first one concerns the existing tax system of Lanzarote, discussing the possibility and the convenience of changing some current taxes as well as the creation of new environmental ones, both intending for the alleviation of local environmental pressures. The second part focuses in the generation of income to be used in reacquiring the remaining construction licenses and other environmental purposes. Different alternatives are described, including a deep analysis on the application of a "touristic ecotax".

[Synopsis] [Poster in pdf format] 80Kb

POSTER SESSION, Thursday 13 February 2003, 16:30-18:00

[P5] Institutional options for the protection of open space
by Adam WASILEWSKI, Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics, Warsaw, Poland

Abstract
This paper seeks to contribute to the development of institutional options for the management of common-pool resources in Central and Eastern Europe. It assesses the potential of different governance structures, including administrative hierarchies, market approaches, and efforts at local non-market co-ordination. The paper examines common-pool resource management in Central and Eastern Europe through a study of open space management and urban sprawl in semi-urban areas around Warsaw and Olsztyn, Poland. The protection of open space poses significant challenges to semi-urban land management, as its benefits cannot be captured by individual entities and accrue as much to urban residents as to local people. The concrete institutional options investigated comprehend the use of land registers for monitoring land conversion, establishment of land trusts in part financed by a development gains tax, and technical and organisational support for local environmental NGO's. The evaluation of options builds on an analysis of causes underlying rapid land conversion in the past decade. The causal analysis demonstrates that privatisation and decentralisation have evoked the radical changes in land use. The demand for housing land motivated farmers to sell semi-urban land, as the state could not enforce its legal oversight over land use. Land conversion was driven by local alliances of farmers eager to "cash in" on their newly acquired rights of alienation, a broader rural society primarily interested in economic development, and local authorities lured by increasing tax revenues.

[Synopsis]

POSTER SESSION, Thursday 13 February 2003, 16:30-18:00

[P6] Is the "tragedy of the commons" relevant? The case of the water-table of Prato (Italy)

by Federico BONNI  & Tommaso LUZZATI, Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche, Università di Pisa, Italy

Abstract
This paper aims to bring support to the idea that the parable of "The tragedy of the Commons" is inadequate for understanding environmental problems. We analysed the case of the water table of Prato, a town located in the surroundings of Florence, and that developed in the 11th century mostly because of the presence of abundant water. Very soon, water supported a strong textile industry (wool manufacture), that experienced industrialisation since 1850 and that is still the main economic sector in Prato. Within about 25 years (1950-75), however, the water table was dramatically degraded. At a first glance, the case looks like a typical "Tragedy of the Commons". We try to show that the essential factor is rather the difficulty of understanding fully the effects of the human action within a new context.

[Synopsis]

POSTER SESSION, Thursday 13 February 2003, 16:30-18:00

[P7] Participative process in progress: the case of the Rede Ecovida de Agroecologia in the South Region of Brazil
by Ari URIARTT, Sonia DE MELLO, & Xavier SIMON, University of Córdoba, Spain and Xavier SIMÓN, University of Vigo, Spain

Abstract

Even though the Southern Region of Brazil has been one of the main focuses for the implementation of the model of modern agriculture with the destruction of an important amount of biomass, this region has also witnessed some of the most interesting experiences in terms of alternative agriculture. This situation is mainly due to the fact that this region concentrates a considerable number of family-owned farming exploitations, which were excluded from the processes of modern agriculture and therefore decided to discuss the economic, social, political and environmental impact of the agricultural system in force. The involvement of different strands of the Brazilian society in this debate led to many initiatives of implementation of ecological agriculture, which had to face and presently still face several technical problems, and other socio-economic, political and environmental issues. These obstacles were fought by means of creating organisations of family farmers, consulting institutions, autonomous professionals, consumers, and generally speaking all the stakeholders involved in the field of agroecology with well-defined aims and principles. All these associations and groups work hard for the promotion of discussions and solutions for the problems related to the production and marketing of ecological food and products. In this particular context, the ìRede Ecovida de Agroecologyî (Agroecology Ecolife Network) appears in the Southern Region of Brazil, including farmers, technicians and consumers in a pedagogical and participative process in the search for the public expression of the quality of the tasks they presently carry out.

[Synopsis] [Paper in pdf-format] 89Kb

POSTER SESSION, Thursday 13 February 2003, 16:30-18:00

[P8] Assessing the environmental impact of UK’s consumption and trade trends
by Eleni PAPATHANASOPOULOU, University of Surrey, UK

Abstract
The research paper is governed by the need to understand the structural changes which have occurred within the UK from 1968-1995 and their environmental effects. This is necessary particularly from the standpoint of the oft-sited assumptions that developed economies become less resource intensive and consumers shift consumption patterns to engender conscious purchases of environmentally friendly commodities. An empirical analysis of the historic industrial changes and consumption trends is undertaken to challenge these suppositions. The UK is chosen as a country case study representing a post-industrial economy dominated by services. The reliance on trade, particularly imports, to satisfy the UK’s extended consumption base is considered from the extended view that imports need to be taken into account due to the incursion of environmental impacts to the producing country. Incorporating trade patterns within the analysis defines the responsibility of consumers within the environmental context.

By using input-output matrices, the direct and indirect effects of changing final demand vectors are mapped over the time period. Commodities, rather than industries, constitute the matrices and vectors used within the framework. Findings show that the UK has become more dependent on imports contributing to the shift of resource appropriation across boarders. Changes in the types of commodities traded gives further insight into the possible policies which may help to curb consumption or, alternatively, the technological advances which would need to be exported to alleviate environmental pressures in the producing countries. In order to gauge the implications of these policy procurements a multi-regional model is proposed.

[Synopsis]

POSTER SESSION, Thursday 13 February 2003, 16:30-18:00

[P9] Discourse-based valuation and ecological economics
by Patricia PERKINS, Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Abstract
Traditional methods of environmental valuation usually feed into a political process where wide-ranging discourse about their relevance and appropriateness takes place. This process often pits those with financial interests at stake, which justify hiring economists to come up with environmental valuation estimates favourable to their bosses' goals, against local community or environmental groups who can only fight back at the political level. More and more, however, "development" promoters are recognizing that it makes sense to address the overall local political situation from the start -- in effect opting for "discourse-based valuation" (DBV) of the costs and benefits of proposed development, and a more holistic political-economy approach to public decision-making than traditional environmental valuation techniques envisage or are equipped to address. This paper explores the ecological economics theory behind discourse-based valuation, and gives examples of its uses in particular cases -- as well as cases where traditional valuation methods were used and then sidelined because their results were so ridiculous or politically inappropriate. The paper’s concluding section compares pros and cons of traditional environmental valuation methods, such as contingent valuation and hedonic pricing, with discourse-based valuation. It lists and discusses the characteristics of situations where DBV may be especially appropriate and useful.

[Paper in pdf-format] 73Kb

POSTER SESSION, Thursday 13 February 2003, 16:30-18:00

[P10] From Regulation to participation : collective action and sustainable use of groundwater resources
by Olivier PETIT, Centre d’Economie et d’Ethique pour l’Environnement et le Développement (C3ED),Université de Versailles St Quentin en Yvelines, France

Abstract
In order to prevent groundwater resources from overexploitation and conflicts between water users, two main solutions have been traditionally proposed: market and State. However, such a dichotomy seems to have lost its relevance, as a result of an increasing implication of resource users in the management of water. In this context, this research aims to study the governance of groundwater resources. Governance is defined as a compromise between the coordination of individual actions and two distinct forms of collective action: collective action for public interest and collective action for community interest. Our study aims at describing the various components of governance, by confronting theoretical and empirical approaches. It leads us to the construction of the NAPTIC software, aiming at confronting values and practices, so as to become a companion of dialogue on governance of groundwater resources.

[Synopsis] [Paper in pdf format] 72Kb

POSTER SESSION, Thursday 13 February 2003, 16:30-18:00

[P11] Information tools for extended decision processes: issues on quality assurance
by Serafin CORRAL, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands and Angela GUIMARAES, EC – JRC – IPSC, Ispra (VA) Italy

Abstract
Growing institutional interest to address governance issues, that can affect or be affected by an extended community, calls for new approaches to address decision processes. There has been also a progressive recognition that it is not at the level of decision that appropriate consultation, dialogue and deliberation take place among those concerned with a certain issue.

Accountable and inclusive processes have been progressively promoted in the last two decades through legislation, also stemming from the Rio agenda. The commitment to change can be witness not only through the legislation and institutional requests but also in the research settings, e.g. in the field of information systems. Information tools, designed to assist the process of involvement of an extended community in governance processes have been changing over time not only in the adoption of different technologies and design concepts, but also in conceptual framework, latest developments comprise the integration of social research methods and institutional analysis.

In a sense we have been assisting to a change of place of decision tools within environmental decision-making processes. Emerging more accountable and inclusive governance styles, indicate that there is not a decision maker (there was never only one, is just that DSS developers are no longer being naïve in that regards!) but debates that take place over policy issues (Corral Quintana, 2002a).

The tools that inform processes of debate, dialogue or deliberation which involve stakeholders of a governance, policy or decision process are considered here as Tools to Inform Debates, Dialogues & Deliberations (TIDDD). Essentially TIDDD are tools that deploy new Information & Communication Technology (namely Internet, multi-media and 3D virtual reality interfaces) in order to organise the information that feeds into a dialogue process about a governance issue (Corral Quintana, 2002a; Corral Quintana, 2002b).

[Synopsis in pdf format] 25Kb

POSTER SESSION, Thursday 13 February 2003, 16:30-18:00

[P13] Reflections on the development project for chesnut area on Acentejo, Tenerife
by Pilar GONZÁLEZ-RODRÍGUEZ  & Marcos HERNÁNDEZ-SUÁREZ, Cabildo Insular de Tenerife, Spain

Abstract
Acentejo is an area situated in the North, Northeastern part of Tenerife with a chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) tree population of an area of some 150 hectares. These trees have formed a cultivated landscape for some centuries but we are detecting a partial abandonment of the land parcels nowadays. Although this crop has had an socio-economic and cultural importance, in the farming economy of subsistence, among Local Community up to the ‘60s, it scarcely represents a complementary source of income for small producers at present. The institutional attemps towards the improvement of product marketing have run up against the local producers lack of interest.

In 1999 stemming from an initiative developed by one of the Town Hall, some institutions are working for the Chestnut Area development. The objectives are as much to improve the farmers’ incomes as to recover the cultural importance of the crop and preserve the environment. With an open agenda, the local bodies have implemented actions such as the research on chestnut cultivars, the preliminaries for an experimental field, and research on possibilities of bettering its commerce. In June 2002 we began participatory work based on PRA that implies a renovation of the project. The participatory reflections with the Community have disclosed that economic "development" has meant here the levelling between two different concepts: exploitation of this area and scarcity, poverty. A devaluation of the area at cultural and socio-economic level is taking place as a consequence of this process. The PRA has also given us a confirmation that the improvement of this resource exploitation requires a previous and parallel participatory process and valuation.

Key words: Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Acentejo, Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill), Local Community and Valuation.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 38Kb

[PS19] Local participation in the formulation of sustainable development and biodiversity conservation policies: The case of the Natural Protected Area "Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh", in Yucatan (Mexico)
by Eduardo GARCIA FRAPOLLI, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

Abstract
Although the importance of people’s participation for sustainable development has recently become increasingly acknowledge, in Mexico the design, implementation and evaluation of public policies related with rural sustainable development and biodiversity conservation, has traditionally been done with a technocratic top-down approach, and without taking into account the traditional knowledge in which local communities relates with the environment.

Most of Mexico’s remaining biodiversity is located in regions where the indigenous population predominates, and where poverty is still a fundamental problem. According to the Mexican biodiversity conservation strategy and the social development national plan, Natural Protected Areas (NPA) are established to protect biodiversity while improving community living standards for those who directly depend on their natural resources.

This paper explores the literature regarding people’s participation in sustainable development and the need to involve the local population and their traditional knowledge in the design of public policies. Through a case study of a new NPA in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, the present paper will analyse how the local Maya community participated, with the local government and a local non-governmental organisation, in the decision-making process of establishing the NPA and in the designing and implementation of the management plan for the area.

[Synopsis]

PARALLEL SESSION III on Participatory Decision Processes III, Thursday 13 January 2003, 18:00-19:30

[PS20] Eco-endo-development as a tool for planning the rural-urban environment
by Carmelo LEON, Matías GONZALEZ & Jorge ARAÑA, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Abstract

Urban developments can transform adjacent rural areas by degrading their natural resource base and environmental values. In this paper we provide evidence on the application of the concept of eco-endo-development as a tool for planning rural-urban environments. This involves the generation of endogenous development in the rural areas by implicating the local population in developing activities which would conduce to the objective of preserving natural values and the recuperation of traditional cultures. At the same time, urban societies could benefit from the preservation of these rural environments. This concept is applied to a large rural valley which is located between adjacent urban areas in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Canary Islands). The valley represents an opportunity for urban dwellers to benefit from a large rural park in the urban environment which could be utilized for leisure activities. This paper presents the instruments adopted in the eco-endo-development plan. The accomplishment of the objectives of the plan is evaluated and contrasted with the benefits to the urban population, which are also measured with a discrete choice experiment of alternative policy measures.

Keywords: Eco-endo-development, Economic incentives, Rural-urban environments, Stated preferences.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 163Kb

PARALLEL SESSION III on Participatory Decision Processes III, Thursday 13 January 2003, 18:00-19:30

[PS21] Multiple stakeholder dialogue processes and multicriteria decision aid. experience from transition economy of the Slovak Republic
by Tatiana KLUVANKOVA-OROVSKA, Institute for Forecasting, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic and Veronica CHOBOTOVA, Academia Istropolitana Nova, Svaty Jur, Slovakia

Abstract
Community based management is understood as the process (rather than project) to address policy and management problems in protected areas in order to develop participatory and integrated management of the area. Our approach has no ambitious to solve complex issue of the management of the parks in transition economies, where lack of public finances, inappropriate economic instruments and weak property right regimes jeopardise participation of private owners and general public on sustainable management of the parks. Rather than provide universal solution, main objective of the community based management is to develop and facilitate efficient communication and co-operation of major stakeholder. Thus increase their involvement in the development and implementation of regional policies based on sustainable economic practices (sustainable tourism, rational use of natural resources). First application in the Slovak Republic was done in 1999 in Mala Fatra National park (NP), followed by Slovensky raj NP (2002) and Nature Reserve Sur, (2002), the wetland of international significance, Ramsar site no. 498. The latest will be discussed more into the details in this paper, addressing conclusions for application of multicriteria decision analyses (MCDA) in environmental decision making in CEEC’s.

[Synopsis]

PARALLEL SESSION III on Climate Change, Thursday 13 January 2003, 18:00-19:30

[PS23] An input-output analysis of the "key" sectors in CO2 emissions: the Spanish case
by Vicent ALCANTARA & Emilio PADILLA, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

Abstract
This paper studies the determination of the "key" sectors in the emission of CO2. This issue is approached from an input-output perspective and a methodology based on the elasticities of the final demand. As an exercise, the methodology is applies to the Spanish economy. The analysis allows us to indicate the greater or lesser relevance of the different sectors in the emission of carbon dioxide, pointing out which sectors deserve great attention in the Spanish case and showing the implications for energy policy.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 17Kb [Final Paper in pdf format] 48Kb

PARALLEL SESSION III on Climate Change, Thursday 13 January 2003, 18:00-19:30

[PS24] Modelling carbon uptake and assessing policy alternatives of planting trees to mitigate climate change
by Maria NIJNIK, The Macaulay Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

Abstract
Since the Kyoto Protocol, climate change has become among the most important environmental policy issues. The Conference of the Parties to the UN FCCC (1997) necessitated agreement on the designation of funding from industries and governments for creating forest plantations. The studies on carbon mitigation options have been initiated in a number of countries.

Our purpose in this study is to assess the Ukraine's capacities to contribute to mitigation of climate change and to carry out initial cost-benefit analysis of the proposed afforestation strategy. Three policy scenarios are considered: (1) carbon storage in forests, (2) carbon storage and additional wood-for-fuel substitution (3) carbon storage and additional sink policy for wood products. The discounted carbon uptake benefits are computed for different discount rates. In most cases, the estimates of carbon savings are calculated in permanent tons. The estimates on costs per ton of sequestered carbon provide benchmarks for comparison of the proposed strategy (three scenarios under investigation) with other climate mitigation policy alternatives.

The general conclusion is that the proposed programme of the expansion of forest cover in the Ukraine is to contribute substantially to climate stabilisation. The newly established forests, particularly in the Wooded Steppe, will offer a low-cost opportunity for carbon uptake and a challenging alternative of emissions reduction. In view of the Kyoto Protocol and the decisions that follow (2001), the country could play an important role in climate change negotiations under the emissions credit-trading scheme.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 16Kb

PARALLEL SESSION III on Sustainability Indicators I, Thursday 13 January 2003, 18:00-19:30

[PS25] Mining sustainabiliy indexes
by Gonçalo LOBO, Paula ANTUNES and Rui SANTOS, ECOMAN Centre, New University of Lisbon, Portugal, and Fernando LOBO, University of Algarve, Portugal

Abstract
Measuring sustainability is one of the most challenging tasks in Ecological Economics. During the last two decades, several sustainability indexes were developed, such as the Human Development Index (HDI), the Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare (ISEW) or the Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI). Considering the ecological, economic and social bottom lines or dimensions of sustainability we can say that the HDI is more social oriented, the ISEW more economic oriented and the ESI more ecological oriented. However, all these indexes have a common aspect, they try to establish sustainability rankings of countries. This ranking format can sometimes mislead the public, and we think that a new approach is needed when talking about nations sustainability. Rather than trying to establish rankings we should focus on the sustainability patterns between nations and on the future paths of sustainability that each country or sets of countries with similar characteristics should follow. This paper focuses on the application of data mining on sustainability indexes datasets. To our best knowledge, data mining techniques have not been applied in the context of sustainability indexes, but there is no reason why they should not be used. It is our strong believe that these techniques can be used to find regularities and patterns in sustainability indexes. The main purpose of the analysis is to check for commonalities between indexes and investigate for common sustainability patterns. Strong patterns, if found, may be crucial to establish a common platform and to set up different paths of sustainability.

[Synopsis]

PARALLEL SESSION III on Sustainability Indicators I, Thursday 13 January 2003, 18:00-19:30

[PS26] The use of agri-environmental indicators to evaluate peasant farming
by Lucio FERNANDES & Philip WOODHOUSE, Institute for Development and Policy Management, University of Manchester, UK

Abstract
This paper investigates the sustainability of ‘peasant’ or ‘family farm’ agriculture in Rio Grande do Sul, the most southerly of the states of Brazil. Two different technological approaches adopted by those farmers were scrutinized: the so-called agroecological and the conventional technological systems. In Brazil, the peasant or ‘family farm’ sector remains important, accounting for 85% of farms, 30% of the farmed area, and about 38% of agricultural output. In the last decades their traditional farming has been replaced by the technologies recommended by the ‘green revolution’ model. These technologies have increased levels of inequality between farmers and also created environmental and health problems. In an attempt to confront this process the use of ‘alternative’ agricultural technologies have being promoted, seeking to be environmentally friendly and socially biased towards the peasant sector. The main characteristic of the rural areas of the Rio Grande do Sul remains an economy based in ‘family farms’. Between 1999 and 2002, the state government declared the ‘family farms’ sector a priority, and agroecology, a further development of the alternative technologies, became the official paradigm. Mechanisms of assessment of this new approach were urged especially by EMATER, the state extension agency. To compare in terms of sustainability the agroecological farming systems with that more conventional ones this research aims to develop agri-environmetal indicators, which could embrace their environmental, economic and social dimensions.

[Synopsis] [Paper in pdf format] 120Kb

PARALLEL SESSION III on Sustainability Indicators I, Thursday 13 January 2003, 18:00-19:30

[PS27] A Critique of the environmental sustainability index
by Raghbendra JHA, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, and K. V. BHANU MURTHY, University of Delhi, India

Abstract
The 2002 Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) is a significant effort in the direction of developing an overall measure of environmental sustainability. It is based on the data of 142 countries. It has been developed by collaboration of the World Economic Forum, Geneva, Centre for International Earth Science Information Network, Columbia University, and Yale Centre for Environmental Law and Policy, New Haven. In the future, such a measure has the potential of seriously impacting domestic and international policy analysis. Hence, it is important that there be a widespread acceptance of the structure and methodology of the ESI.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 33Kb  [Paper pdf-format] 116Kb

PLENARY SPEECH IV, Friday 14th February 2003, 9:30-11:00

[PL4] A Bottom-up/Top-down Methodology for Indicators of Corporate Social Performance in the European Aluminium Industry
by Sylvie FAUCHEUX, University of Versailles-Saint Quentin, France

Abstract
This paper presents the methodological aspects and the main empirical results of a research study whose purpose was to define indicators appropriate as components of corporate social responsibility strategies for aluminium industry companies in Europe. Experimental empirical work for the testing of procedures for developing corporate social responsibility indicators was carried out at three industrial sites. The results were obtained through an innovative "bottom-up / top-down" approach. At each of the three pilot sites (in France), "focus groups" were constituted of approximately 12 participants (one or two groups with employees, other groups with "external" stakeholders). The work of the groups generated close to 100 indicator proposals, which were then classified in two ways. First, stakeholders' suggestions were gathered under categories established at international level covering both 'social' and 'environmental' dimensions of company responsibility. Second, the indicator suggestions were organised into a matrix with reference to (1) the category of stakeholder making the suggestion; (2) the site at which the suggestion was made; (3) the generic character versus specificity of the indicator. On the basis of this experience, prospects for general application for the European aluminium industry are outlined.

[related Paper in pdf format] 180Kb

PARALLEL SESSION IV on MCA, Stakeholders and Participation I, Friday 14 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS28] The use of spatial information and techniques in trading-off ecological and economic values for the Vecht River Basin
by Alison GILBERT, Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Abstract
Wetland restoration in the Netherlands could enhance sustainable development by enhancing environmental quality and stimulating incomes. This paper reports on a study combining spatial analysis and disciplinary integration to assess alternative management strategies for the Vecht river basin in the Netherlands.

The study area is approximately 8x20 km, subdivided into 73 polders. Alternative management strategies for the region were developed and specified per polder. These related to changes in water tables and subsequent changes in land use – e.g. agricultural intensification, conversion to nature. Strategies were tested using a suite of linked models. Output from the models comprised: net present value per polder and the probability of occurrence of 265 plant species per 500x500 m grid cell. The first research question addressed by this paper is: how can the vast quantity of information generated by spatial models be condensed into a limited number of performance indicators capturing the economic and ecological performance of each strategy?

Strategies were compared and ranked using multi-criteria analysis. A distinction is made between point and spatial evaluation. A second research questions is: does spatial evaluation, in which spatial detail is maintained, lead to different rankings and/or insights? The evaluation concludes that higher water tables and investment in recreation could provide a viable means for wetland restoration, not only recouping costs incurred with changes in land use but also stimulating regional incomes. However, maintenance of spatial detail during the evaluation led to different insights and in particular indicated uncertainty in this conclusion.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 43Kb

PARALLEL SESSION IV on MCA, Stakeholders and Participation I, Friday 14 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS29] A multicriteria approach for integrated wetland management
by Ron JANSSEN & Hasse GOOSEN, Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Abstract
Wetlands perform functions that support the generation of ecologically, socially and economically important values. European legislation has increasingly recognised the importance of preserving wetland ecosystems. The water framework directive (WFD) embodies many of the existing directives that have implications for wetlands. EVALUWET (European valuation and assessment tool supporting wetland ecosystem legislation) aims to develop and implement an operational wetland evaluation decision support system to support European policy objectives. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted combining expertise from natural and social scientists.

The Waterland catchment is selected as the Dutch case study within EVALUWET. This catchment north of Amsterdam is a typical Dutch landscape with low-lying polders and higher peat pastures. Important stakeholders are: agricultural organisations, recreation, nature conservation organisations, and provincial/regional authorities. In this case study three alternatives are compared: 1:Modern peat pasture (current), 2.Historical peat pasture and 3. Dynamic mire.

Impacts of these alternatives on the various functions are assessed. Spatial design techniques are used to support design of the alternatives. Spatial evaluation techniques in combination with multicriteria methods are used to support evaluation. A first version of the system is recently finished. This provides a better insight into the consequences of alternative water regimes on the performance of the wetland functions. This version will be used to test the approach with the stakeholders participating in the decision process.

[Synopsis]

PARALLEL SESSION IV on MCA, Stakeholders and Participation I, Friday 14 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS30] How to select instruments for the resolution of environmental conflicts?
by Felix RAUSCHMAYER, Bernt KLAUER  & Heidi WITTMER, UFZ – Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany

Abstract
In this paper, we concentrate on two aspects of environmental conflicts, societal and ecological complexity, and we propose criteria to examine strengths and weaknesses of different participatory and multi-criteria approaches. Both general strategies, i.e. participation, focussing on an intensive integration of stakeholders, and multi-criteria decision aid as a special case of multi-criteria analysis, focussing on uncertain data and values, play a prominent role in the resolution of environmental conflicts, but there have been few attempts to find a common methodological framework. The objectives are to explore and better understand some of the experiences made with the combination of methods from citizen participation and MCDA. This paper wants to sharpen our understanding of the potentials and limitations of different instruments but also give a glimpse of the wide array of possible combinations. A lot of instruments are available and many can be combined. Without a prior methodological foundation, a new kind of decision problem arises: How to select adequate instruments. Without providing a fully-fledged normative foundation, this paper wants to make a more pragmatic contribution.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 19Kb

PARALLEL SESSION IV on Business and Sustainability II, Friday 14 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS31] Assessing voluntary commitments: monitoring is not enough!
by Christoph BÖHRINGER and Manuel FRONDEL, Centre for European Economic Research, Mannheim, Germany

Abstract

This paper deals with a special type of voluntary approaches to e. g. Environmental protection that we would like to specifically term voluntary commitments. Their major characteristic is that they represent unilateral declarations of polluters about abatement efforts without a decisively active role of regulators. That is, voluntary commitments typically are not the result of intensive mutual negotiations. A prominent example, though not in its pure form, is the ìDeclaration of the German Industry on Global Warming Protectionî. Despite the monitoring of this declaration, induced energy and emission-reducing activities do not appear to have gone much beyond good intention:
On the grounds of our general theoretical and empirical arguments, it seems unlikely that voluntary commitments trigger significant deviations from business-as-usual. This casts doubt on the effectiveness and, hence, the efficiency of this specific type of voluntary approach in general.

Key words: Voluntary Agreement, Counterfactual, Evaluation

[Synopsis]

PARALLEL SESSION IV on Business and Sustainability II, Friday 14 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS32] Governance of joint environmental management: a look at the institutional ecology of eco-industrial parks
by Raimund BLEISCHWITZ, Wuppertal Institute, Germany and Ulf-Manuel SCHUBERT, Free University, Berlin, Germany

Abstract
The article elaborates on the governance of joint environmental management and presents a case study on eco-industrial parks. Main proposition is that the costs of knowledge generation can be considerably reduced if firms cooperate in environmental management. Nevertheless, governmental activities remain necessary in order to maintain monitoring and regulatory capacities. In this context, the institutional ecology of those networks differs due to different national and regional capacities. Any "optimal" design, therefore, is neither visible nor desirable. On the contrary, institutional diversity is permanently renewed by cognitive creativity and active experiments. Examining in-depths the examples of Kalundborg (Denmark), Fairfield, Burnside (both USA), and Kitakyushu (Japan), the second part of the article gives an analysis of eco-industrial parks as examples of joint environmental management in corporate networks. The article concludes that the potential of joint environmental management and ensuing governance approaches is not yet fully exploited and gives some suggestions for further developments.

[Synopsis]

PARALLEL SESSION IV on Business and Sustainability II, Friday 14 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS33] Application of input-output modelling information system to corporate ecological-economic management
by Paul SAFONOV, Saint Cloud State University, Minnesota, USA, and Sergey SHVETS, SMS Technologies Lab, USA/Russia

Abstract
This paper aims at development of regional and inter-industry modelling software for big companies and small counties. Application of corporation input-output (I-O) theory (G. Marangoni, G. Fezzi, 2000) to management and accounting practices in big companies is discussed. Extending the conventional I-O model by natural resources use (on the input side) and environmental pollution (on the output side) enables a company to use such a model for integrated environmental-economic accounting and analysis of ecological-economic interactions.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 81Kb

PARALLEL SESSION IV on Environmental Kuznets Curves, Friday 14 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS35] Non-linear relationship between energy intensity and economic growth
by Jesús RAMOS MARTIN, Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain and Miquel ORTEGA-CERDÀ, ENT Environment & Management, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract
From a thermodynamic point of view economies are open systems far from equilibrium, and neo-classical environmental economics is not the best way to describe the behaviour of such systems. Standard economic analysis takes a continuous, deterministic and predictive approach, which encourages the search for predictive policy to 'correct' environmental problems. This is actually what happens with the relationship between economic growth and energy consumption under the dematerialisation hypothesis, so-called environmental Kuznets curve or the inverted-U shaped curve. Rather, it seems to us that, because of the characteristics of economic systems that may follow complex behaviour, an ex-post analysis under the framework of ecological economics is more appropriate, which describes economies as non continuous and non predictive systems and which sees policy as a social steering mechanism. With this background, we present some empirical data on energy intensity development for both developing and developed countries. In order to test the hypothesis of a de-linking between economic growth and energy use, we apply here phase-diagrams in which the intensity of use of the year t and that of the year t-1 are represented. This will allow us to check the validity of the continuous relationship, or to check the possibility of the existence of a step-wise behaviour, which can be seen at a lower time-scale, as something similar to the idea of "punctuated equilibrium" for the evolution of systems at larger time-scales. This may reflect that economies show "invariance of scale" when considering their development at different time-scales.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 45Kb [Paper pdf-format] 92Kb

PARALLEL SESSION IV on Environmental Kuznets Curves, Friday 14 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS55] The EKC and the rebound effect in a static economy
by Joao RODRIGUES and Tiago DOMINGOS, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Lisboa, Portugal

Abstract
An inverted U-shaped relationship between income and pollution has been found for several flow pollutants (the Environmental Kuznets Curve). It has been argued that the EKC may arise due to simple microeconomic forces in a static economy. Assuming as physical constraints that pollution abatement cannot exceed gross pollution and that gross pollution is generated by income, we show that this result is no longer valid. If the environmental damage of pollution is internalised, even if an EKC-curve appears for a low level of income, the level of pollution will eventually rise again for higher income (the rebound effect). In our model, from a certain level of income onward economic growth will actually lead to a decrease in welfare.

Keywords: Environmental Kuznets Curve, rebound effect, static economy, physical constraints.

[Synopsis in pdf format] 24Kb [Paper in pdf format] 128Kb

PARALLEL SESSION IV on Environmental Kuznets Curves, Friday 14 February 2003, 11:30-13:00

[PS53] The distribution of economic values and environmental burdens through global trade
by MURADIAN, Roldan (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Departamento d ’Economia i d ’Historia Economica, Barcelona), Nina EISENMENGER (Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies of Austrian Universities (IFF), Department of Social Ecology, Wien, Austria) and Stefan GILJUM (Sustainable Europe Research Institute (SERI), Wien, Austria)

Abstract
Supporters of a policy of trade liberalization emphasize that free trade leads to a more effi-cient resource allocation on the global level and stimulates economic growth through an in-creased division of labor and intensified export production in all countries participating in in-ternational trade. However, the free trade paradigm does not address issues on the distribution of economic values and environmental costs and benefits within the world trade system. Economic activities in primary sectors are not only characterized by a lower generation of export values, but in many cases also by higher environmental loads compared to those of the secondary and tertiary sector. An international specialization pattern, in which primary activities are increasingly concentrated in the South, thus leads to an unequal distribution of economic values and environmental burden. In this paper we analyze long-term time series of aggregated value and weight of "polluting" exports of a large sample of countries from industrialized regions, SE Asia, Africa and South America. For this, we study the six most polluting sectors according to the World Bank classification. We find that the physical intensity of polluting exports differ substantially between different socio-economic regions of the world. Despite the fact that in all regions (except in Africa) the share of polluting exports to total exports (in monetary terms) has not increased considerably, physical outflows have experienced a boom in all developing regions, while they show a much lower increase in industrialized countries. Industrialized countries and developing countries also differ in the value/weight ratio of exports for the most polluting sectors, and its evolution across time. From 1982 to 1996, this ratio has increased only in industrialized countries, whereas it has decreased in the other world regions. In 1996, this value/weight ratio of polluting sectors was about 2.4, 6.3 and 9 times higher in industrializ